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Topic Review (Newest First)

07-10-2014 08:00 PM

Msmaria

Can you try doggie day camp every other day, if you can't take him every day. Ask for the specials or buy package in advance when you can. I find its cheaper than having a walker since our walker charged 30 an hour and day camp was just 25 when I purchased the package.

07-10-2014 06:14 PM

McCoy

Quote:

Originally Posted by BowWowMeow

He has separation anxiety. Check out Patricia McConnell's booklet, "I'll Be Home Soon." She gives you a protocol for counter-conditioning your dog to get over SA. I did it with Rafi (who had terrible SA when I adopted him) and it worked.

I second this. Not sure about the book but the behavior sounds like classic separation anxiety. I read somewhere that most destructive behavior that stems from SA happens within 45 minutes of you leaving. Maybe wear him out in the morning if you can. doggie day care and dog walkers are a great idea, as you know.

07-10-2014 02:43 AM

viking

I also think this sounds like separation anxiety. There's a product I used w my boy when he right around your dog's age. Worked for us. Comfort Zone D.A.P. Diffuser. They also offer a liquid that you apply to his bedding but not on the dog directly. I think they may also offer a collar. Petco and Petsmart both carry it. Good luck!

07-10-2014 01:26 AM

BowWowMeow

He has separation anxiety. Check out Patricia McConnell's booklet, "I'll Be Home Soon." She gives you a protocol for counter-conditioning your dog to get over SA. I did it with Rafi (who had terrible SA when I adopted him) and it worked.

07-09-2014 08:26 PM

LoveEcho

If you think crating sucks for a dog, you should see how much an intestinal blockage from destructive behavior sucks .

Most of us crate our dogs while we work, for their safety, and our dogs still lead full and happy lives. It's fantastic that you can get home during lunch and break the day up- that's a luxury most of us don't have. Use it to your advantage! It's never too late to crate train a dog... I had to re-train my four year old. Crate Games is an excellent DVD (and you can find free videos on youtube) and it helps in so many areas besides just crating.

It also sounds like he doesn't get a lot of training. A dog can be exercised to death and still be bored... mental stimulation goes a lot further than physical exercise. A bored, understimulated dog is a destructive one. Try incorporating fun obedience games into your daily exercise! It's a great way to build your bond and help with separation anxiety, too.

07-09-2014 06:24 PM

chpurc

Quote:

Originally Posted by GSDMark

Chpurc, the destructive behavior is more than likely from boredom and separation. Crating is OK, but since you're concerned about possible barking while you're gone I have a suggestion. I mailed ordered a DOGTEK NB-SBH Sonic Birdhouse. It is an ultrasonic device that looks like a small birdhouse, powered by a nine volt battery, with three sensitivity settings. When placed in the area where it is undesirable for the dog to bark it will emit an ultrasonic sound only he can hear and is uncomfortable to his ears. Mine only barked twice before he figured out what was causing that nasty sound and now just the sight of the birdhouse quiets him down. BTW, did you offer to repair the carpet on the stairs? Could keep the peace. Just a thought...

Nice suggestion .. honestly there's only one other apartment in my new place, i don't think barking is an issue. I should have crated him from the very start but i was naive.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RiverDan

How old is he now? Maybe he is just a little young to be out all day?
Our guy slowly got his freedom. One room at a time, starting at one year. He is eighteen months now and the house is his. No problems.
I think exercise is key with GSDs. Mentally and physically. (probably every dog)

He's 12 months in July .. he gets plenty of exercise .. even the day after i take him to doggy day care he was destructive

Thanks everybody for the replies

07-09-2014 05:21 PM

GSDMark

Chpurc, the destructive behavior is more than likely from boredom and separation. Crating is OK, but since you're concerned about possible barking while you're gone I have a suggestion. I mailed ordered a DOGTEK NB-SBH Sonic Birdhouse. It is an ultrasonic device that looks like a small birdhouse, powered by a nine volt battery, with three sensitivity settings. When placed in the area where it is undesirable for the dog to bark it will emit an ultrasonic sound only he can hear and is uncomfortable to his ears. Mine only barked twice before he figured out what was causing that nasty sound and now just the sight of the birdhouse quiets him down. BTW, did you offer to repair the carpet on the stairs? Could keep the peace. Just a thought...

07-09-2014 04:29 PM

RiverDan

How old is he now? Maybe he is just a little young to be out all day?
Our guy slowly got his freedom. One room at a time, starting at one year. He is eighteen months now and the house is his. No problems.
I think exercise is key with GSDs. Mentally and physically. (probably every dog)

07-09-2014 04:20 PM

chpurc

Agreed - my place is beautiful and now I have to walk on those stairs everyday and it's driving me crazy.

Glad to see some of the responses in here, makes me feel less inhumane for crating him all day

07-09-2014 03:05 PM

flyfisher22

Quote:

Originally Posted by chpurc

How do you know if you're not there all day? He/she could be barking all day long ...

Well my last dog barked some and my current dog does not, just depends on the dog. I tend to find that they will bark themselves out and learn to settle eventually, actually may bark in the house even if not crated anyway. Not to mention they can't get themselves in trouble by destroying property and possibly eating something harmful to them. In my opinion it is an easy choice.

I also own a rental property so this conversation makes me cringe a little and reminds me why I am so particular about the people and dogs I rent to....

Cam

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